Sometimes, it’s the frame around the painting or the jewelry with that little black dress. Accessories can highlight a project, or carry it off completely.
Trim
Trim describes the materials surrounding the entryway. It is fundamentally a molding that covers the interface between the door jamb and the wall. Like a picture frame, it can be thin and unobtrusive, or it can be wide and ornamental.
Typically, casing on the interior; brick molding or casing on the exterior. Many of our customers, especially builders, order our entryways without trim. We get it! They’re probably going to trim the unit with the same materials and finishes as the rest of the house. This is common for a builder on a budget. Like always though, we can take it up a notch.
“Just the door, please.”
Hey, we think it looks great! This Breeze door is mounted on the existing jamb with existing painted trim:
Same here. This custom door was retrofitted into the existing jamb and casings:
Making Trim to Coordinate with the Door
The entryway is a unique feature of the home and does not need to blend with the other windows and doors. Wider trim can make the entryway appear larger and more prominent. Using the same wood species and finish techniques as those used on the door is the most common upgrade:
Sometimes we’re asked to make the casing simply due to the unique shape of the entryway:
Sometimes it’s more complex. This casing is custom designed to fit both the shape and design of the entryway with a layered appearance:
This 6″-wide exterior casing is carved and painted to accent the artwork on the entry doors:
Custom trim can change the overall shape of an entryway and coordinate the woodwork of different types of entryways in the home:
Adding trim to your order is a small conversation; perhaps just knowing the size and edge profiles you would like, but we are always happy to create something special. We’ve even created unique trim for entryways we didn’t even build.
Hinges, Straps, and Butterflies
Unless specifically ordered by the customer, we always install our doors on steel, commercial-grade, square corner, button-tip, heavy duty hinges. This is a big improvement over residential-duty hinges. We will select the appropriate size and number of hinges for each application. If the hinge is larger than 4″ x 4″, it is automatically upgraded to solid brass, ball-bearing. That being said, the customer may still choose to augment these hinges by upgrading with decorative tips, special designs, or finishes. We are happy to answer your questions and guide you with your choices.
In addition to the actual, load bearing hinges, we also offer decorative straps and butterflies in various designs from several different manufacturers. These are often added for an “old world” appearance:
Door Knocker
Most of the hardware companies we represent offer matching door knockers. If requested, we will suggest the appropriate size and positioning of the knocker. We’ve also sought out special door knockers on the web for our customers, or even designed the door specifically for knockers that our customers have provided to us.
This very large door (4′ x 9′) commanded a very large door knocker (12″ diameter) from Rocky Mountain Hardware in solid bronze:
A lover of animals, this customer chose a Smiling Bear door knocker from a web search:
The classic Lion’s Head knocker is available in a variety of designs and sizes:
We’re happy to work with our clients to find those accessories that capture their design intentions.
Kickplate
Kickplates are an accessory designed to protect the door’s bottom rail from abusive practices. They are a traditional accent on classic entryways, often used on commercial doors, and available in a variety of finishes to coordinate with the door’s hardware. We’re happy to advise regarding color and size.
Mail Slot
The mail slot is a popular accessory in many urban parts of the country. We don’t just cut the hole for it. We endeavor to make it’s installation as attractive and functional as possible.
While the Light Breeze door (and custom doors) can easily accommodate a centrally located mail slot, the Breeze door cannot. The hinged panel will block the mail slot when it is lowered into Screen Mode. For this reason, the mail slot can only be mounted vertically on the door’s edge:
House Numbers
Whether they are mounted on the wall adjacent to the entryway, on the trim, or on the door itself. We will find the design and finish that best serves our customers.
Grille and/or Speakeasy Door
A popular accessory is the Speakeasy Door and its variations. It can be as simple as a small, centrally mounted window (referred to as a View Window.) A metal or wooden door can be used for privacy. A Grille can be mounted for security, or any combination can be used to accomplish your goals. While inexpensive metal speakeasy door/grille combinations are limited in size and function, wood speakeasy doors can be constructed in a variety of sizes, with or without weatherstrip. Trapper Peak Forge and Rocky Mountain Hardware also custom-build their Grilles to the size and pattern we specify.
Clavos
The decorative nail is a popular accent.
Door Viewer (Peep Hole)
Measure the distance from the floor to your eye and we’ll place the peep hole in a comfortable position for you. Available in Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Black.
Dog Door
Man’s best friend! You’ll be his best friend, too, with the design and installation of a custom dog door. Dog Doors vary in design features, sizes, and costs. The dog’s size and agility may be important factors. You purchase the dog door and have it shipped to us. We’ll make sure the entry door is designed for its perfect fit and function.